Ground reaction force and hoof deceleration patterns on two different surfaces at the trot
Authors: Gustås Pia, Johnston Christopher, Drevemo Stig
Journal: Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology
Summary
# Editorial Summary Surface composition exerts measurable effects on impact biomechanics during trotting, with implications for injury prevention in working horses. Gustås and colleagues compared ground reaction forces and hoof deceleration between sandpaper and a 1 cm sand layer using seven unshod Standardbreds trotted across a force plate at speeds of 3.0–5.7 m s⁻¹, collecting synchronized data from accelerometers mounted on fore and hind hooves and sampling ground forces at 4.8 kHz. Maximum horizontal deceleration and loading rates in both vertical and horizontal planes were significantly greater on sandpaper than sand (P < 0.001), with the initial vertical deceleration also markedly higher on the harder surface in the forelimb. These findings underscore that even seemingly minor variations in surface properties alter how the hoof dissipates impact forces—a distinction potentially critical for managing cumulative stress on distal limb structures, particularly relevant for farriers and rehabilitation professionals working with horses in training or competition where surface selection and preparation influence tissue loading patterns.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Sand surfaces reduce shock and deceleration forces compared to harder ground—consider surface choice when managing horses prone to distal limb injuries or those needing rehabilitation
- •Hard surfaces (like sandpaper-textured ground) significantly increase loading rates in both vertical and horizontal planes, which may contribute to cumulative strain injuries over time
- •Even at trotting speeds (3.0–5.7 m/s), surface properties meaningfully alter biomechanical stress on the distal limb—surface management is a practical tool for injury prevention
Key Findings
- •Maximum horizontal peak deceleration was significantly higher on sandpaper than sand surface (P < 0.001)
- •Loading rates of vertical and horizontal forces were significantly higher on sandpaper compared with sand (P < 0.001)
- •Initial vertical deceleration was significantly higher on sandpaper in the forelimb (P < 0.001)
- •Different ground surfaces produce measurably different hoof-braking patterns that may affect distal limb loading even at slow trotting speeds